March 23, 2013 (Falun, Sweden) – Veteran classic aficionado, Eldar Roenning of Norway, timed his final lunge perfectly besting Russia’s Maxim Vylegzhanin at the line for the victory in the men’s 15km CL at Falun at round three of the final Mini Tour of the WCup season in Falun. Roenning’s teammate Martin Johnrud Sundby, who looked like he might prevail for the win, settled for 3rd.

(l) Sundby watches as Roenning (r) edges out Vylegzhanin for the win © Nordic Focus

Taking fourth in comfort was World Cup and Mini Tour leader, Petter Northug (NOR), who seemed to be fading around the 5km mark. But Northug regained his composure and soon advanced from 32nd to 16th, and then found himself in the lead group of five challenging for the win.

Daniel Richardsson (SWE) was hoping for victory on home turf as he took over the lead from teammate Emil Joensson who had pushed the pace at the front from around the 8km mark with 20 skiers behind. Sundby took over at the 12.2 mark but Joensson wasn’t done and was back leading at the 13.2 mark… and then Richardsson asserted himself.

Emil Joensson (SWE) leading... © Nordic Focus

The USA’s Hoffman, 19th at the 9.9km mark, looked like he might pull a Northug and bridge to the leaders but it was not his day. Canada’s Alex Harvey and Devon Kershaw were behind him in the 30s and would not factor in the outcome.

Alexander Legkov (RUS) and Dario Cologna (SUI) were also in the mix early on and Cologna looked like he might turn the tables on Northug. But it was the other way round as both Cologna and Legkov found themselves chasing the wily Norwegian in the end finishing 12th and 15th respectively.

Noah Hoffman (USA) © Robert Whitney

With less than 1km to go Richardsson, Sundby, Vylegzhanin and Roenning were now charging ahead as Northug dangled in 5th. Sundby attacked as Richardsson faded a bit while Roenning and Vylegzhanin sensed opportunity and put themselves in contention with double poling strength.

Roenning was the more savvy at the finish besting Vylegzhanin by a boot for the win – it was his first WCup victory since Falun 2012. “It was great fun to win today. I have been struggling this season a bit and the victory today means a lot for me. Falun is a great place for cross-country with big crowds and nice courses,” he told FIS XC. “I skied my first competition here as a junior. This weekend has been really good for Norwegian team.”

Petter Northug Jr (NOR) © Nordic Focus

Hoffman finished 25th as the top NA skier while Harvey landed in the points placing 30th. Kershaw was 36th, American Andy Newell was 38th with teammate Torin Koos in 39th, while Canada’s Ivan Babikov was 41st, Len Valjas was 50th and Michael Somppi was 51st.

“I was happy with my race and happy to finish in the points. My skis were great, some of the best in the race. I felt pretty good on the first two laps. I started to struggle on the third lap of the five lap race. I lost contact with the group with about two laps to go,” commented Hoffman post-race.

“I don’t think I made a mistake in execution, I just wasn’t good enough to have a great result. I’m looking forward to one more opportunity today then some rest! I have a great start position today with some other good skiers right around me. I’ll try to work together with them to move up through the field.”

Northug increased his lead in the mini tour standings and in the overall World Cup standings. He starts tomorrow’s final race of the season with a +30.5-second lead over Vylegzhanin in the 15km pursuit FR and leads Legkov by 80 points in the overall…plus a BMW will be his as well.

Men’s results HERE.
Mini Tour standings HERE.
World Cup Overall HERE.
BMW Standings HERE.